Liverpool will reportedly face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain in their pursuit of Leeds United’s Brazilian winger Raphinha.
According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk, PSG have entered the race to sign Leeds United winger Raphinha on the recommendation of Neymar. The 24-year-old is also a transfer target for Premier League bigwigs Liverpool.
Raphinha began his career with Brazilian outfit Avai before making his way to Europe in 2016 when he signed for Vitoria Guimaraes. After spending over two years with the Portuguese outfit, the winger switched to Primeira Liga rivals Sporting CP where he enjoyed a successful 2018/19 campaign.
The following summer, he was signed by French club Stade Rennais where he impressed yet again, prompting Leeds United to take a punt on him last year. Since arriving in Yorkshire, Raphinha has become an integral member of Marcelo Bielsa’s side, racking up nine goals and assists apiece in 39 matches across all competitions.
Despite Leeds’ struggles to pick up wins, the 24-year-old has looked in good touch in the 2021/22 season. He has a return of three goals from eight Premier League matches so far, while his form for the Whites resulted in a call-up to the Brazilian national team as well. In three appearances for the Selecao, Raphinha has scored twice.
The winger’s performances for the national team have caught the eyes of Neymar, who has now recommended the Leeds winger to PSG. The Parisian giants could require a new attacking player next summer as both Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria are in the final year of their respective contracts.
Although Les Parisiens have the option of extending Di Maria’s contract by another twelve months, he will be turning 34 in February, and it would bode well for the club to replace him with a younger option, making Raphinha a viable transfer target. PSG’s emergence as a suitor for the Leeds star will likely come as a blow for Liverpool.
The Reds have been hot on the trails of the Brazilian international for quite a while now. With Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah closing in on their thirties, Jurgen Klopp will need to introduce some fresh blood into the attacking unit. Furthermore, after his summer move away from Anfield, Liverpool did not replace Xherdan Shaqiri, leaving a vacant spot in the squad.
A player like Raphinha, with experience and proven pedigree in the Premier League, would thus be a potentially exciting addition for Liverpool. But, with PSG making their presence felt in the race for the Leeds United star, it remains to be seen whether the Reds can stave off the competition and secure his signing.
